Linebackers coach Gary Gibbs will take over defensive coordinator responsibilities.

Crennel had served dual roles since Todd Haley was fired as the head coach on Dec. 12.

Crennel guided to Chiefs to a 2-1 record at the end of last season, prompting the team to give him the full-time head-coaching position in the offseason, but the team is just 1-7 this season and has not held a lead in regulation through eight games.

Their lone win of the season was a 27-24 overtime decision over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.

"I have decided that I am going to spend more time with the whole team and less with the defense," Crennel said. "We're trying to get this thing right and trying to get it turned. We have eight games to play. It's an eight-game season for us, so we're going to try and do everything we can to come out these eight games on the winning ledger."